As statements of intent go, Keith Varick's first song from his debut EP is a bit of a stunner. It starts with an immense collage of layered electronic melody, white noise and drum machine before Varick gives vent to his tearful emotions. The desperation in his voice on 'Frozen' is such that when he sings "Hold your head over the water... I can still hear you breathing", it's believe to suggest Varick is trapped under ice. The emotional outpourings continue on the mournful 'Ladeda' where Varick's repetition of the song title is genuinely spine-tingling. The music is stripped back even further for the largely acoustic 'Untitled'; not the best song here but a good showcase for the strength of Varick in unplugged mode. The only question is whether Varick has any emotion left for his upcoming album given the energy he's expended here. Thankfully (for his own sake, at least) the final two tracks are lighter; featuring less dramatic electronica and prettier melodies. Nevertheless Varick's conviction is impressive and 'Keep Breathing' proves he has the talent to match it too.